The best way to explore Nevada is on a self-drive adventure, with Excite Holidaysproducing a helpful handbook that has the good oil on five scenic routes with everything from essential experiences to hotel recommendations.

Each page focuses on three locations, from the far north to central Nevada and deep south, to explain why discovering the state should be on every curious traveller’s wish list.

Here are 10 hidden gems worth seeing on a road trip that puts the bright lights of Las Vegas in the rear-view mirror.

1. Carson City

Image: Chris Talbot/ TravelNevada

The Nevada state capital is a modern metropolis that’s maintained its old-world charm with the downtown boasting great restaurants, shops and museums.

2. Virginia City

Image: TravelNevada

This settlement popped up almost overnight when gold was discovered in 1859 and while it was one of America’s wealthiest locations it now provides insights into the old west.

3. Lake Tahoe

Image: Rick Gunn/ TravelNevada

A famous place for outdoor activities with skiing powder snow the favourite winter activity and swimming, fishing, mountain biking and hiking popular during the warm months.

4. Ely

Image: Sydney Martinez/ TravelNevada

A hamlet that started as a stage-coach stop boomed when copper was uncovered and today boasts an inventory of historic buildings and the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.

5. Elko

Image: Sydney Martinez/ TravelNevada

Cowboy culture rules in this “true western town” and visitors can enjoy the great outdoors hiking the trails around the neighbouring Ruby Mountains.

6. Beatty

Image: Sydney Martinez/ TravelNevada

This spot is known as the “Gateway to Death Valley” where travellers stock up before venturing into the national park or stay local to explore ghost towns on Beatty’s outskirts.

7. Boulder City

Image: Sydney Martinez/ TravelNevada

A community established during the Great Depression to house workers building the Hoover Dam where anti-gaming laws established in the 1930s continue today.

8. Laughlin

Image: Sydney Martinez/ TravelNevada

Occupying a plot in the Colorado River Valley – where Nevada, Arizona and California meet – makes Laughlin tops with those looking to survey a waterway flanked by desert.

9. Austin

Image: TravelNevada

Located in the heart of Nevada, and a stop on US Highway 50 which is called “The Loneliest Road in America”, this hamlet lets visitors step back in time to the silver-mining boom.

Now is the time to make arrangements for customers to embark on a Nevada road-trip adventure with every paid booking made with Excite Holidays between October 8 and November 4 in the running to win 100,000 reward points.

The three agents with the most improved Nevada sales numbers during the incentive period will win reward points and 50,000 will go to first place, 30,000 for the runner-up, and third gets 20,000.

Agents will also receive double bonus reward points for every Nevada night booked and paid for between October 8 and 21.